We have seen a lot in the news already regarding the Coronovirus (COVID-19) on how it is making a significant impact worldwide. Wherever you go – watching TV, going to the store, checking on social media – it is present and the numbers continue to climb.
The implications of the coronovirus has impacted all aspects of society, including the social media industry. This is the season where most of the conferences are gearing up, promoting their work and speakers, and preparing for the events leading up to the summer.
Not so fast.
We saw the news yesterday that SXSW was cancelled. This was pretty late in the game in my opinion – but they did it in light of the coronovirus. I was surprised this event was still on, especially when SMMW happened last week (personally, I thought it was a mistake they went through with this myself). Now, academic conferences are cancelling in light of what is happening, including the International Communication Association’s big conference – which was going to be held this year in Australia. Instead of an in person event – everything will be virtual.
The list goes on and on – and Sarah Evans created a great list here for the conferences that have been cancelled, or postponed, due to the coronovirus. I know I have had a few people ask me about Cannes Lions and the Educators Summit, but here is the statement Cannes Lions has shared on their website:
These cancellations have sent shock waves throughout the community, especially those who are in the event and speaking businesses. I have been a part of some conversations where you could see the anxiety, stress, and fear of what this will do to people’s lives with this loss of income. Many have to readjust their income streams and think about ways they can continue making a living. Other events have lost millions of revenue – as well as the cities and communities that rely on this income each year (ex. Austin and SXSW).
This is not only impacting the work I do at conferences and events, but potentially what I am doing here as a professor. This is also something that many universities are considering offering classes online for the remainder of the term, such as the University of Washington and Stanford, to make sure the virus does not spread any further on campuses.
What are some things that we can do to overcome this challenge and make sure we are still offering the same value to our community in the industry?
Look to leaders in the virtual conferences for events. I would have to say, this is where companies like Stukent have hosted digital events for the past few years, including their latest Digital Summit yesterday. The tools and services Stukent used during the presentation (Demio) was very user friendly and got a lot of engagement from the audience. If you are an event that has been cancelled and are looking for a tool, or strategy on how to create a virtual event – reach out to the team at Stukent. They are leaders in this field! Also, AEJMC Public Relations Division has been ahead of the curve here already with their virtual conferences and panels. So, academic divisions are already adjusting to these changes as well.
Educate and discuss CV additions and value of virtual conferences at your university for tenure purposes. This is a big one for new faculty who are looking at opportunities to share their research and expertise to the academic community. In light of what we are experiencing, this is a time for us to advocate for the same value for virtual conferences, summits, etc to make sure we are adding to the experience we are gaining and be able to validate this for our resumes and CVs. So, with virtual conferences – having the same protocols in submissions, peer reviews, etc – need to be in place to make sure that the only difference is that we are sharing our work virtually, rather than in person.
Look to resources for teaching online. At the University of Louisville, we have not come to the state where all classes would need to be online – but if that was the case – we are ready and have the tools necessary to do so.
Plus, I have 10+ years of experience teaching online already. But, if you are in the situation where this would be your first time doing your class online, there are many resources (and professors) who are here to help out in answering any questions you may have.
Building and working with your community. Online communities have always been important, but this is where it is more important than ever to make sure we are all supporting each other with these changes and opportunities. While #SMprofs does not have a conference or event (yet) – we still have a thriving community where everyone is still sharing updates, changes, resources, research, etc to help us in our work. These events – the ones cancelled – really have to utilize and build these online relationships and communities. Adobe has done this very well – but SXSW? Do they have a relationship that is sustainable in their community? I do not know. This may be an opportunity to do this on scale.
Host your own virtual events. Sometimes, it is good to take some ownership in the community and host your own event, or version of the conference that was cancelled! This is what Nikki is doing with Virtual Austin in light of what happened to SXSW.
In summary, there are a lot of unknowns still out there related to the coronovirus, and we all have to support each other, help one another, and be creative on how we can continue working together to further the field in light of these challenges. There is a lot of fear still out there, but if we all come together with ideas and approaches, we can overcome this together.
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
